Letters to the Editor

Letter: For whom the road tolls

I suggested a modest proposal to the Anchorage Assembly to consider for property tax relief; if you agree, please let them know. I also submitted this as a comment to the Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation System. This proposal is needed to meet the revenue shortfall inflicted by those who voted in Gov. Mike Dunleavy and demanded a full Permanent Fund dividend with accompanying large cuts to the state budget, a situation assured to increase our property taxes.

I proposed that the city of Anchorage erect an electronic toll on the inbound highway from Palmer/Wasilla to Anchorage at Eklutna; a modest $5 toll for each incoming vehicle. As Gov. Dunleavy said a few weeks past, “the Municipality could raise revenues to cover deficits from his budget cuts.” This addresses the governor’s option; it is truly modest, only $25 per week or roughly $100 per month. By placing an electronic toll reader at Eklutna, similar to the San Francisco toll on inbound Golden Gate traffic on highway US 101 / CA 1, individuals who use our municipal services and infrastructure, yet pay no supportive taxes, could finally help the residents of Anchorage support the costs of snow plowing, street maintenance, police, fire, ambulance and all the other infrastructure that is needed to support their jobs, shopping, airport use, etc., in Anchorage.

The Valley has grown greatly, as individuals moved there to escape our property taxes and benefit from cheap land, yet still work in Anchorage and commute here daily. Currently, the cost of their using our city and city services are transferred to Anchorage residents via property taxes. Since reciprocity is fair, I am sure we are all willing to pay a toll on roads entering Palmer, Wasilla and other bedroom communities of Anchorage.

— Earl Krygier

Anchorage

Have something on your mind? Send to letters@adn.com or click here to submit via any web browser. Letters under 200 words have the best chance of being published. Writers should disclose any personal or professional connections with the subjects of their letters. Letters are edited for accuracy, clarity and length.

ADVERTISEMENT